lift one meter in 11 seconds with a three tonne capacity from lift master

Published: 07 December, 2012

The mid-rise Sprinter Express Mobile II lift from Liftmaster can be used during tyre servicing, painting and bodywork. It picks up the vehicle at the sill boards and lifts it up to one meter in about 11 seconds. It has a three tonne capacity.

Snow chains and winter tyres are so 'last season' according to the creators of 'Snocks'. They boast all the postivies and none of the negatives while being 98% as effective, portable and a fraction of the price.

This Gunson electronic stethoscope from helps you identify engine and chassis noise by seeking out defective components. The precise location of a faulty part can be hard to pinpoint as the sound travels but this sensitive stethoscope will help you pin down the precise location of the noise. It can be used on cam covers, cylinder heads, alternators, water pumps, air con compressors and gearboxes.

The engineers and techs over at Diagnostic Associates have created a number of products to give independent repairers the opportunity to use the same software as dealers, without the expense of buying dealer equipment.

The Ecokleen 200 parts washer requires just one waste collection each year and is suitable for cleaning all automotive parts made from metal, plastic, rubber and ceramic. It boasts a robust steel construction, recirculating flow system and a self-cleaning detergent which cuts down the amount of waste generated by the machine to around 100 litres per year.

Valeo has announced details of its latest clutch catalogue which boasts over 2,500 part numbers. New products featured include a dual mass flywheel and clutch kits for the BMW Mini Cooper 1.6, Mercedes A and B Class and the Peugeot 508, 3008 and 5008 HDi.

The Smoke Wizard is a leak detection device which uses smoke technology and UV dye. It is designed for EVAP system testing - will not damage O2 sensors and catalytic converters and will not void a manufacturer's warranty.

As winter servicing kicks in, Comma reminds us of three very different coolant technologies which have engine specific applications. Since 1998, more than 25 million new cars and LCVs have been registered in the UK and all require a coolant that has been given the nod by the relevant vehicle manufacturer. Over 70% of new EU made cars have OAT coolant and more than 50% are factory-filled with BASF Glysantin.

A range of replacement turbochargers for popular cars is available from Mahle and centre on VW applications. One part is suitable for the 1.9 litre 75kW petrol engines used in the Passat, Golf and Seat Toledo, another can be used in the VW Sharan, Vento and Gold models fitted with the 1.9 90kW TDI engine and will also fit the Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra, Toledo and Ibiza models with the same engine.

A new service and test tool for exhaust gas recirculation, EGR, valves from Sykes-Pickavant can be used when testing and cleaning EGR valves and when used in routine servicing will prevent unnecessary replacement.

The Canvik Centre is part of a new range of suspension system repair tools to join J&S Products. The odd-sounding tool is described as a state of the art coil spring compressor which deals with problem wishbones and multilink suspension systems safely and easily.

The MXS 5.0 Test & Charge from CTEK quickly determines a battery's health and maximises its performance. The test function determines voltage and starting power and identifies charging performance of the alternator.

How long workshops can continue to heat up using small waste oil burners is anyone’s guess as the debate over whether they should be subject to the same licensing rules as waste incineration plants rages on. However, GSF has come up with a cunning, future-proof solution.

New parts in the Blue Print range include clutch kits for the Hyundai Sante Fe 2.2 (2006 on), the Hyundai i20 (2008 on) and Kia Carnival 2.2 from 2009. Its clutch programme is pitched as a complete clutch solution, providing workshops with everything from dual mass flywheel conversions and self-adjusting clutches to technical bulletins and tools.

A heavy duty control arm for the BMW 5, 6 and 7 Series is available to the aftermarket from Meyle so independents can replace a worn original control arm on all three versions of the vehicle with just the one part.

The SAS Adhesives & Sealant Engineers Kit includes ten items that the Workshop Warehouse says includes a selection of its most popular products. The ten-piece kit includes super glue, instant gaskets, thread lockers, epoxy and liquid metal, supplied in a tough storage case.

A range of battery testers have been added by GYS, including the digital testers BT 280 DHC and RT 777 DHC. The 777 model is a 6V/12V device for testing lead acid, gel and AGM batteries up to 230Ah and can be used while the battery is still connected to the vehicle. It can test units with a discharge as low as 1.5V and provides a print out of results.

There are now in excess of 250 fully refurbished, recycled doors and tailgates available from Imperial Automotive. This recently introduced ‘green parts’ range is now expanding into further product groups to meet the demand for recycled parts, says the company. “At less than half the OE price, this new range is proving popular in the repairer market. Recycled parts keeps the repair prices low and in a lot of cases, saves a vehicle from being totally lost’, explains John Spink, recycling project manager.

OE ‘champion’ Federal-Mogul is now offering the aftermarket a range of Champion Contact flat-blade wipers for light commercial vehicles. As some of the most popular LCVs, such as the Citroën Berlingo, Mercedes Vito and VW Caddy, now have flat-blade wipers as original equipment, it made sense for the brand to introduce an aftermarket range that fits these vehicles and many more besides.

A new range of 'premium' exhausts and cats for the most popular vehicles is now distributed by CES. They're backed by a three year warranty and feature headed wires, stainless steel tail pipes, an OE shaped muffler and a dished end.

The oil filter housing on Toyota D-4D engines has limited access, so removing the oil filter can be a bit tricky. Luckily, Blue Print has created an exact fit wrench tool to remove and refit the end of the oil filter housing.

Car parts distributor GSF has announced that it is to offer the entire British-manufactured Bosal brand of exhausts. This comes as the company opens its new purpose designed warehouse in Birmingham and says that is has significantly increased its portfolio of replacement exhaust systems, catalytic converters, brackets, clamps and mountings.

There are various VOSA-approved Class IV and VII MOT Automated Test Lane packages available from Hofmann, designed to fit the majority of existing pit recesses to significantly reduce installation costs. In addition, ATL packages can be upgraded to a One Person Test Lane, with a view to reducing labour costs.

Tyre Bay Direct is now the exclusive distributor of Rimbands - alloy wheel protection systems. The hardy silicon rubber bands fit around the circumference of alloy wheels to prevent damage caused by hitting kerbs and potholes. They can also mask existing scuffs for a smarter appearance.

A new range of workbenches extend the Jet+ range from Facom. They consist of a robust 40mm thick, beech plywood worktop, which has been treated with linseed oil to resist liquid damage. The drawers and frame are built from sheet metal.

Tool manufacturer Laser has introduced a 3/8" drive torque wrench and 3/8" drive socket set, designed specifically for use on hybrid engines. The tools are insulated to protect technicians working on high voltage vehicles. Both the wrench and the socket set have VDE and GS certification and are IEC rated to 1,000 volts.

The removal of bonded components is now easier thanks to the introduction of the new Power-TEC Smart Inductor 5000, from Tool Connection. This flameless heating system is able to remove bonded components or loosen seized parts fast and efficiently. The system features automatic or manual settings, using electromagnetic induction, which is capable of intense local heating without damaging the surrounding area. The company claims the smart inductor will only heat metal objects and will not burn or melt plastics or paints.

Tyre Bay Direct is now the exclusive distributor of Rimbands – alloy wheel protection systems. The hardy silicon rubber bands fit around the circumference of alloy wheels to prevent damage caused by hitting kerbs and potholes. They can also mask existing scuffs for a smarter appearance.

ATL packages complete with delivery, instalation,commisioning and training from Hofmann

Published: 11 October, 2012

There are various VOSA-approved Class IV and VII MOT Automated Test Lane packages available from Hofmann, designed to fit the majority of existing pit recesses to significantly reduce installation costs. In addition, ATL packages can be upgraded to a One Person Test Lane, with a view to reducing labour costs.

Save up to a third on the cost of replacement turbochargers with the new range from BTN Turbo

Published: 03 October, 2012

The OMX brand of turbochargers has been created to save up to a third on the cost of replacement on popular older models. The new range, from BTN Turbo, uses OE parts and the turbos are supplied with a 12 month warranty.

Haynes, the car enthusiast's favourite, has launched a Christmas wish list. The list contains heaps of book titles from the official MotoGP to the Klingon Bird of Prey owner's manual. The books are lots of fun and make for ideal stocking fillers for car enthusiasts and Star Trek fans alike.

New to Laser Tools' range of timing tool kits is the BMW Mini W16D timing tool set fits the engines used in the Mini and Mini Clubman (07-10). The kit also fits certain Citroen and Peugeot models. The kit includes the crankshaft timing pin, two camshaft and fuel pump timing pins as well as the flywheel holding tool with fixing bolts. Novices need not worry about valves meeting pistons as the kit comes with a full set of instructions.

The CC6400 Standard VOC Clear is the latest two-component clear from DuPont Refinish.

Published: 28 September, 2012

The CC6400 Standard VOC Clear is designed for ease of use during two coat application and should be used with the AZ9100 performance agent for a flawless application and appearance. It can also be used with its XK Activator range to enhance drying speeds.

The demand for lower viscosity grades of oil continues to grow as manufacturers strive for better fuel economy and lower emissions and it’s vital to use engine-specific oil to protect vehicles fitted with catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters.

The Dickies 2012 catalogue has 200 pages of old favourites and brand new products. New items include a 100% cotton coverall and a PPE range which includes ear defenders, safety specs, respirators, gel knee pads, gloves and helmets.

Covering 96% of the UK car parc, Unipart's hub bearing and timing belt kits are on the rise

Published: 24 September, 2012

The number of hub bearing and timing belt kits available from Unipart has grown significantly as a result of a new partnership with SKF. An additional 121 new bearing kits and 167 belt kits have been added to its range, which now covers over 96% of the UK car parc.

Electric pumps for Citroen, Peugeot and Renault vehicles join the range available from amk Automotive. The parts use an electric circuit board to control the pump and are supplied new, due to the complexity of the design. Until now, these have only been available through the dealer network.

A 'detection' socket set case, including 3/8" pear head ratchets, is available from Facom.

Published: 18 September, 2012

The case, which can be stored as a roller cabinet module, enables you to see all your tools even when the case is closed. The 3/8" pear head ratchet is said to be 25% lighter than the competition, helping to reduce user fatigue. The ratchets feature a dustproof, maintenance-free mechanism and a comfort grip handle. The JL.DBOX comes in a 6 point sockets set or a 12 point sockets set and include a range of sockets from 8-22mm, 2 extension bars, a coupler and a 3/8" pear head ratchet.